DeBary staff to rewrite economic development element; council seeks clearer incentives for Highway 1792 corridor

At the DeBary City Council workshop Aug. 6, 2025, Growth Management Director Stephen Bap said staff are effectively rewriting the city’s economic development element of the Evaluation and Appraisal Report to reflect recent visioning workshops and the hiring of an economic development director.

Bap said, “economic growth is the strongest when it reflects the needs and aspirations of the residents,” and described new policy language to partner with the Volusia Economic Development Office, run targeted digital and traditional advertising campaigns, promote local entrepreneurship and leverage proximity to the SunRail station to attract commuters and investors.

The rewrite, Bap told council members, will also call out Highway 1792 as “a vital economic artery” and include new policies aimed at reinvestment in…